July 2016 marks the 52nd Anniversary of federal government support for public transportation.

The success of public transportation can be traced back to one of the late President Lyndon Johnson's greatest accomplishments, which continues benefiting many Americans today.

On July 10, 1964, he signed the "Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964" into law. This has resulted in the investment over time of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation.

Millions of Americans, including many residing in Queens and Brooklyn County, on a daily basis utilize various public transportation alternatives. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles.

Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars thanks to President Johnson.

Depending on where you live, consider the public transportation alternative.

The ability to travel from home to work, school, shopping, entertainment, etc., is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility.

Seniors, students, low and middle-income people need these transportation alternatives.

Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.